Open versus Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy G. Janetschek, F. Montorsi  European Urology Supplements  Volume 5, Issue 3, Pages 377-384 (April 2006) DOI: 10.1016/j.eursup.2006.01.003 Copyright © 2006 Terms and Conditions

Fig. 1 Running suture to pull together the superficial vein branches of the Santorini plexus. European Urology Supplements 2006 5, 377-384DOI: (10.1016/j.eursup.2006.01.003) Copyright © 2006 Terms and Conditions

Fig. 2 Division of the Santorini plexus. European Urology Supplements 2006 5, 377-384DOI: (10.1016/j.eursup.2006.01.003) Copyright © 2006 Terms and Conditions

Fig. 3 Anterior wall of the rectum is reflected inferiorly. The large rectal veins can be seen exiting the neurovascular bundles just proximal to the level of the prostatic apex, coursing posteriorly to drain the rectum. A capsular vessel and nerve of the prostate can be seen descending along the posterior aspect of the prostate in the midline. European Urology Supplements 2006 5, 377-384DOI: (10.1016/j.eursup.2006.01.003) Copyright © 2006 Terms and Conditions

Fig. 4 Cage-like embedding of the seminal vesicles (SVs) by the pelvic plexus. The caudal aspects of the pelvic plexus (red asterisks) encase the seminal vesicles. After benign prostatic hyperplasia has developed, the cavernosal nerves (green asterisks) are completely dispersed along the lateral aspect of the enlarged prostate (P). B=urinary bladder; U=right ureter. European Urology Supplements 2006 5, 377-384DOI: (10.1016/j.eursup.2006.01.003) Copyright © 2006 Terms and Conditions

Fig. 5 Seminal vesicle-sparing prostatectomy (B) versus non–seminal vesicle-sparing prostatectomy (A). European Urology Supplements 2006 5, 377-384DOI: (10.1016/j.eursup.2006.01.003) Copyright © 2006 Terms and Conditions

Fig. 6 Urinary control after radical prostatectomy: comparison between the open and laparoscopic approach. European Urology Supplements 2006 5, 377-384DOI: (10.1016/j.eursup.2006.01.003) Copyright © 2006 Terms and Conditions

Fig. 7 Comparable outcomes for retropubic and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with respect to potency rates. European Urology Supplements 2006 5, 377-384DOI: (10.1016/j.eursup.2006.01.003) Copyright © 2006 Terms and Conditions